Firefighters faced 34-degree heat and winds of more than 30 kilometres an hour as they battled the blaze, but Mr Allan said conditions started to ease by nightfall.

He said crews would continue trying to contain the fire overnight before facing potentially worse conditions on Saturday.

"If it is not contained by tomorrow, higher temperatures will make it harder for firefighters," he said.

Firefighters told residents near Carwoola and Captains Flat it was too late to leave at about 3pm on Friday. The fire had crossed Widgiewa Road, Whiskers Creek Road and Captains Flat Road.

At about 8pm, the fire advice had dropped from 'emergency' to 'watch and act'.

Those in the area of Hoskinstown, Rossi, Forbes Creek and Primrose Valley were urged to seek shelter. Properties were under threat along Widgiewa Road, Whiskers Creek Road, Yilgarn Road and Captains Flat Road.

An update on the Rural Fire Service website told residents it is "too late to leave". "Protect yourself from the heat of the fire," it said.

"A number of properties have been destroyed by the fire. The exact number will not be known until conditions ease."

Homes on the northern side of the fire remained under threat on Friday night, as crews battled to slow it from spreading west.

Two evacuation centres were set up at Bungendore Public School hall and the Q Theatre in Queanbeyan, where school children travelling on buses were also redirected.

Crews included those from NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire and Rescue, and others who travelled to help from Shoalhaven, the Illawarra, Cooma, Monaro, and the Southern Tablelands.

A total fire ban was enforced in the ACT region on Friday.

*/
]]>

A spokesman for the ACT Emergency Services Agengy said the fire, which was travelling in an eastbound direction, did not pose any threat to the ACT.

NSW fire crews were also battling a fire in Blayney, west of Bathurst, on Friday afternoon.